"At the same time, our sympathy and appreciation goes to the donor's family."

Carew, 71, suffered the major heart attack while playing golf on Sept. 20, 2015. He underwent six hours of surgery and was close to death before stabilizing for a few days but then suffered heart failure on the left side of his heart.

Doctors implanted a ventricular assist device to regulate blood flow and keep Carew alive. But a transplant was needed for his long-term ability to live.

Carew spent 12 seasons with the Minnesota Twins and seven with the California Angels during a career that ended in 1985.

He won seven American League batting titles and was named American League most valuable player in 1977 when he batted .388 for the Twins.

Carew finished his career with 3,053 hits and a .328 batting average. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.